9 Outdated Home Decor Trends We Hope Never Return

From shag carpets to all-matching furniture, these design choices are better left in the past.

Mar. 15, 2026 at 10:23pm

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While home decor trends come and go, some styles are best left behind. This article highlights 9 outdated decorating moves that Southern designers hope never make a comeback, including wall-to-wall shag carpeting, accent walls, acrylic furniture, all-gray interiors, plastic furniture coverings, completely matching furniture sets, all-white rooms, orange-toned wood stains, and popcorn ceilings.

Why it matters

Embracing timeless design over fleeting trends can help create a more cohesive, comfortable, and visually appealing home. Avoiding these outdated styles allows homeowners to focus on decor that will stand the test of time and reflect their personal style.

The details

The article cites several interior designers who weigh in on which home decor trends should stay in the past. For example, Houston designer Lila Malone advises against accent walls, suggesting homeowners paint the whole room a fun color instead. Dallas designer Jean Liu says acrylic furniture is too industrial for a Southern home, while Atlanta's Liz Williams hopes all-gray interiors are a thing of the past. The piece also cautions against wall-to-wall shag carpeting, matching furniture sets, all-white rooms, and popcorn ceilings.

  • The article was published on March 15, 2026.

The players

Lila Malone

An interior designer based in Houston, Texas.

Jean Liu

An interior designer based in Dallas, Texas.

Liz Williams

An interior designer based in Atlanta.

Betsy Cribb Watson

The senior home editor at the publication.

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What they’re saying

“I would love to see accent walls never return again!”

— Lila Malone, Interior Designer

“Never is a very long time, but in my lifetime I'd be happy to not see or use acrylic furniture ever again.”

— Jean Liu, Interior Designer

“We need to outlaw the use of gray paint on walls.”

— Jean Liu, Interior Designer

“I truly hope all gray interiors are a thing of the past. It's time to bring on the color!”

— Liz Williams, Interior Designer

“What's the point of having these beautiful things if you can't just enjoy them?”

— Betsy Cribb Watson, Senior Home Editor

The takeaway

By avoiding outdated decorating trends and instead focusing on timeless design choices, homeowners can create spaces that feel fresh, comfortable, and reflective of their personal style - without the risk of regretting their decor decisions down the road.